CASSEY
Cassey's POV — Morning After
I couldn't sleep last night. Stacey was in my head—and for the first time, I found myself thinking about someone other than my mother. I hated it. I was frustrated with myself.
I got out of bed and pulled off my shirt, trying to shake the thoughts away. Then came a knock on the door.
Who could that be? I opened the door—and there she was.
One of the other princesses. Honestly, I'd forgotten her name. She stood holding a tray with Swiss rolls, scones, a jar of jam, and a teapot. Her presence caught me off guard.
"What are you doing here?" I asked. "I came to serve your breakfast. Can I come in?"
Not wanting to offend her, I stepped aside. She was undeniably beautiful—heart-shaped lips, vermillion hair, and flawless light skin that shimmered under the morning light.
I expected her to drop the tray and leave—but instead, she went straight to my wardrobe. "Hey, hey, what are you doing with my clothes?" I demanded. "I was just trying to pick something out for you."
"I didn't ask for that. I can dress myself. Please leave."
"I won't," she said, stubbornly.
"I'm engaged to you."
"What?" My eyes widened. "When?! Gods—please, just go. Thank you for the food."
I grabbed her arm and gently ushered her out, then slammed the door behind her.
"Engaged to me?" I muttered. "That's a ridiculous lie."
Still stunned, I stepped out onto my balcony, hoping to clear my mind—and that's when I saw them. Laziel and the masked princess, sitting together in the garden… laughing. My stomach twisted. My heart sank, then began to race so fast I could barely breathe. What the hell was happening to me? I ran from the balcony to the bathroom, splashing water on my face. But the feeling didn't go away.
I rushed straight to Nicholas's room. He was buttoning his shirt in front of his mirror when I burst in. "Nicholas, you have to help me." He turned, startled.
"What? What's wrong? Why are you shaking?" I didn't answer immediately. Instead, I noticed a cup of Irish coffee and a plate of canapés on his table. I grabbed the coffee and drank it in one go.
"Hey—that was my breakfast!" Nicholas frowned. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry," I said, breathing heavily. Nicholas sat beside me, his brows furrowed. "Cassey, what's going on? Did something happen?"
"I… I had a small argument with a princess earlier. But then I went to my balcony and saw the masked girl from yesterday… and suddenly I felt this wave of panic. My heart was pounding, my head dizzy, hands trembling."
Nicholas burst into laughter.
"Why are you laughing? Isn't this serious?" I asked, annoyed.
"Because, Cassey, you just described nervousness… or love," he said, still chuckling. "You like her, don't you?"
"No, Nicholas. I'm being serious."
"I am too," he grinned. "What you're feeling—nervousness, excitement, restlessness—it's all emotional. Humans experience it when they care. It's either affection or attraction. Sounds to me like you're falling for her."
"No. That can't be true," I said firmly. "I don't fall in love. I harbor resentment… not affection."
"Maybe it's the girl from yesterday?" he teased.
I frowned. "Are you going out today?"
"To where?"
"To see Ariana?" Nicholas shrugged. "I haven't thought about her in weeks… but sure. I'll go—so you can see the she again."
"Come on, Nicholas. It's no one." He raised a brow. "You keep saying that, but your heart says otherwise." I sighed. "Fine. Just let me know when you're leaving."
I left him and went to the archery field to clear my head from what Nicholas had said. I picked up a bow and an arrow and took a shot. I was close to hitting the target, so I went for another arrow.
As I was about to shoot, I heard Laziel's voice. I turned and saw the masked princess by his side. The moment caught me off guard, and I lost focus—my arrow flew in their direction.
It almost struck Laziel, who was too engrossed in conversation to notice. But the masked princess quickly pushed him aside and caught the arrow midair.
She dropped the arrow on the floor and helped him up. "Are you okay?" she asked.
"You saved my life," Laziel replied, staring at her.
Their eyes met, and I suddenly felt angry for no reason. I approached them, and when her gaze met mine, a wave of nervousness washed over me.
Still, I fought hard to mask it. "Laziel, are you okay?" I asked. "Uh… yes, I'm fine," he said. "I'm sorry I threw the arrow at you," I added. "You lost focus," Jade said flatly. "Or should I say you don't know how to shoot an arrow?"
"Watch your mouth, Masky Princess," I snapped. Laziel intervened, "It's okay. Princess Jade, we were heading somewhere." Jade hesitated.
"I don't think I can go anymore. I have a headache. I need to rest."
"Why don't I walk you to your room?" he offered.
"Alright," she agreed.
They left. I seethed with anger. How dare she insult me? I was the best archer in the kingdom, trained by the finest. I took another arrow, pulled the bow, and this time, it landed squarely in the bullseye.
Ora's POV
Laziel escorted me to my room. Just before he left, he looked at me and said, "Thanks for saving my life."
"My pleasure, Prince Laziel," I replied.
He lingered, his eyes fixed on mine. I stood in my doorway, slightly uncomfortable. Bella, unnoticed by us, stood nearby holding a glass of water.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
"I just feel like kissing those beautiful eyes of yours," he said softly.
Just then, the glass fell from Bella's hands and shattered.
Embarrassed, I quickly slammed the door. "Oh my God, I blew this up," he muttered before walking off. I rushed to help Bella gather the pieces.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
She suddenly burst into laughter. "Why are you laughing?" I asked, smiling now.
"What did the prince say? That he wanted to kiss your beautiful eyes?" she teased.
We both broke into laughter.
"He's not serious," I said.
"But he looked serious," she mimicked him playfully. "Just take a look at his face: 'I feel like kissing those beautiful eyes of yours.'"
Later that night, though it wasn't yet a full moon, I felt the need to go out. I asked Bella to watch my back while I slipped away from the palace.
The city was lively and vibrant, even without a king. As thunder rumbled overhead, the rain began to pour, and I dashed into a bar.
Inside, people danced, drank, and mingled.
A drunken man approached me. "Come on, beautiful, let's spend the night together," he slurred.
"Sorry, I'm not interested," I said politely, trying to step away. He persisted. "No, I don't accept that."
I didn't want to use my powers—doing so could hurt everyone around. Just as things were escalating, a man in a black overcoat and trilby hat entered the bar. His face was obscured by the brim. "She's mine. I invited her over. Can you please leave us alone?" he said firmly.
The drunk man backed off, and the stranger took my hand, leading me into a private room. He locked the door behind us.
"Who are you?" I asked, standing near the door. He stepped closer and removed his hat.
It was Cassey. "Surprised to see me?" he asked.
"Uh… I… I… no… no."
"What's wrong?" he said, reaching toward my cheek.
"Nothing. Nothing," I muttered, backing away. His face moved closer, and in a panic, I shoved him. He stepped back, startled. "I'm sorry," he said quickly. "I'm really sorry. I'm half-drunk."
"You were drinking? Why?"
"I… I don't know," he admitted.
As the rain fell harder, I turned to the window.
"Oh no," I muttered.
"What's wrong?" he asked, standing behind me.
"It's raining heavily."
"Do you have anywhere to go?"
"No, but you should return to the palace."
"I can stay away from the palace for as long as I want."
"And tomorrow? Will you go back then?"
"Maybe."
"What about the royal court? Why don't you join your father?"
"Don't say that again," he snapped. "I hate it."
"Why don't you like your dad?"
"He's… I don't know. He's controlling. Talks a lot. And my mom… she was gone because of him." I softened. I understood his pain.
"But he wasn't the one who did it."
"Why do you say that? Were you there?"
"I know about the curse on the royal family."
"You do?"
"Yes. Your father isn't a bad man. It's the curse. Just try—be close to him, talk to him, be friendly. You might be surprised by the outcome."
"That will be hard." I reached out and held his hand. "I know. But I want you to try." He stared into my eyes.
"Kiss me before I can do it," he whispered.
"Oh, stop it," I said, playfully hitting his head. "Stop it."
"You'll hurt yourself," I warned, laughing softly.
"I'm really sorry," he said again. The rain finally stopped. "I think I have to go now," I said.
He gently held my arm. "Please meet me at this same spot tomorrow."
"Okay." I left and rushed back to the palace. Unknowingly, Kiara had seen me return.